“I pulled away and created distance between us. Not because I wanted to, but because I didn’t know what to do. I was scared of losing everything I worked for, but I handled it wrong. And I hate that there was even a second when you thought I could just leave you behind.”
She’s quiet for a second, like she’s sitting with it.
“I didn’t exactly make it easy either,” she says softly.
I frown slightly. She exhales, her gaze dropping for a second before coming back to me.
“I kept things from you too,” she admits. “The car… I should’ve told you what Caleb said. I just didn’t think it mattered at the time.”
Her fingers curl lightly against my shirt.
“I didn’t tell you my father was your hockey coach, and you had to find out from someone else,” she adds, quieter. “Andabout you. That you wereRowdy87.” She exhales. “I didn’t know how to say it without everything changing.”
The words hang between us.
“I think we were both just trying to protect what we had,” she says softly. “I’ve had a lot of things feel temporary. People, places.”
“I know.” My hand slides up her back. “This doesn’t feel like that,” I tell her.
Her eyes lift to mine.
“I only stepped away because I needed to figure out what they were hiding. One of the guys on the phone earlier, his name is Reed. He’s friends with Talon. He’s actually dating Talon’s sister, Tatum. Let’s just say he’s the kind of guy who can dig up things people want to keep buried.”
She studies me for a minute, taking in what I’m saying.
“I meant it when I said I wasn’t going anywhere,” I add. “I just needed to understand what we’re dealing with… and make sure you were safe.”
Her hand presses flat against my chest.
“I want you here,” I say. “Because you choose to be.”
Her breath trembles as she leans her forehead against mine.
“I don’t want to leave,” she whispers.
I close my eyes for a second, letting that settle.
When she pulls back, she searches my face. “What are you trying to say?”
My hands settle at her waist.
“I want you,” I say. “Not just this. Not just the moments we pretend don’t mean everything.” I pause. “I want more with you. I want us to have a future together.”
She swallows.
“I love you, Brinley.”
The words don’t feel big when they finally leave my mouth. They feel like something that’s been sitting in my chest for so long, it finally had to come out.
Her breath stutters.
“I love you,” I say again, softer.
Her eyes fill with tears, but this time, she doesn’t try to stop it.
“I’m not crying because I’m sad,” she whispers, her voice breaking anyway.
My thumb brushes along her cheek, catching every one as they fall.
